Samuel Eto’o makes U-turn, reinstates Marc Brys as Cameroon Coach

Cameroon has reinstated Marc Brys as head coach of the national football team after Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), apologized for a recent conflict that led to Brys’ removal just two days prior.

On Tuesday night, Fecafoot had appointed Martin Ndtoungou as interim coach of the Indomitable Lions following a heated exchange between Eto’o and Brys earlier that day.

The dispute occurred during their first meeting since Brys was appointed by Cameroon’s sports ministry in April, a decision Fecafoot claimed was made unilaterally and with great surprise.

During a press conference on Thursday, Eto’o confirmed that the 62-year-old Belgian would continue as head coach, with crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching in early June.

“I apologize because during our first unfortunate meeting, there was a lot of emotion,” said Eto’o, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker. “The Cameroonian people are more important than us, and it is for them that we must work.”

Videos circulating on social media showed a fiery argument between Eto’o and Brys at Fecafoot’s offices in Yaoundé on Tuesday, after which Brys left abruptly. Eto’o, who has been Fecafoot president since December 2021, was also seen arguing with a sports ministry official.

Fecafoot initially cited “disrespectful comments” by Brys and “an outright refusal to collaborate” as reasons for replacing him. They announced that Ndtoungou would name the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde and Angola on June 8 and 11, respectively. However, it now appears Brys will handle the call-ups instead.

“Your mission is not an easy one despite your qualities and experience, but you should know that you will have our support,” Eto’o added.

Brys is now set to lead Cameroon in his first international matches following this latest development in the ongoing power struggle between Cameroon’s sports ministry and Fecafoot.

Cameroon currently tops Group D in World Cup qualifying with four points from two games. The group winners will secure a spot in the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.